Community Preparedness News - January 2010


                                        Ever wonder what plans the City has developed for use in an emergency or disaster.  Whether it's
                                      an earthquake, fire storm in one of our many wild land areas, a hazardous or toxic spill or tsunami,
                                      the City has plans and procedures in place.  But no matter the amount of planning the City does,
                                      it is up to each and everyone of us to prepare ourselves, our homes and our families for disasters
and emergencies as well.  The City's website contains not only the City's Emergency Plan, but many resources to help you
plan for your family's safety as well, such as creating a plan for your family and an emergency supply kit.  For all this
information and more, click here.

Considering CERT Training?
Would you like to take the extra step and get yourself trained as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
member?  It's a small investment of time for a very large return.  The more trained volunteers each community and
neighborhood has, the better prepared we will be.  And training is free to Newport Beach residents!  For schedules and
class information, click here.

Better yet, see CERT volunteers in action.  Take a view minutes to watch a video about the CERT program.  For about ten
minutes of your time, you will learn how important the CERT program is to you as a resident of Newport Beach.  This video
was prepared by NBTV and hosted by Chief Steve Lewis of our Fire Department.  You will be glad you did.  Click here

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                 If you have not yet signed up for the City's Emergency Notification System (Reverse 911),
                      please consider doing so as soon as possible.  It's quick; it's easy.  You will be glad you
                      took the time to sign up.  It's already been used several times in the last couple of months
                      to notify residents of criminal activity in their neighborhoods, burst water mains, flooding,
                      etc.  Click here to register.
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                        Fire Safety & Prevention
                                Wildfire safety is a particular concern to Corona del Mar residents.  With Buck Gully and Morning Canyon
                               in our community, all residents should take steps to harden their homes against fire, and to prepare an
                               evacuation plan in advance of an emergency.  We saw what happened to Brea and Yorba Linda
                               residents in the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire.  We can take steps to prevent a similar catastrophe from
                               happening here.

The city's website contains many tools to help you accomplish a fire safe home and a safety plan for your family.  In 2009,
the NBFD, in conjunction with the Orange County Fire Authority, implemented a very comprehensive program for making
our homes and surrounding areas more resistant to fire threats.  Below are links to some of the information that is
available on the City's website:


Do you live facing Buck Gully or Morning Canyon?  If so, be sure to review Special Fire Protection Area Guidelines:

  • Wildland/Urban Interface (Morning Canyon & Buck Gully):  Click here
  • G.01 Hazard Reduction Zones:  Click here
  • G.02 Fuel Modification Plans & Maintenance:  Click here
  • G.03 Construction Requirements:  Click here

Tips from Newport Beach Fire Marshal for making your home more fire resistant:
  • Determine the classification of your roofing materials. Class A and B are fire retardant.  Class C (shake or wood
    shingles) are not.  
  • Keep your rooftops and gutters clear of leaves and other debris.  This is particularly important for homes with flat
    roofs.
  • Check your chimney's spark arrester to make sure it is in tact, fits tightly, and has not corroded.  Sparks that escape
    from the chimney are a hazard for both you and your neighbors' homes.
  • Our Fire Department staff is willing to come and help with your inspection of these items.  Call 949.644.3106 today
    and ask for an appointment.
Copyright 2010 Corona del Mar Residents Association.  All Rights Reserved.
No information may be duplicated without permission from Corona del Mar Residents Association.
PO Box 1500
Corona del Mar, CA  92625

Info@cdmra.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (C)
Volunteers working to protect, preserve and improve our community's quality of life